Isaac from Aachen

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Isaak , according to another source Isaak from Narbonne , is the first German Jew known by name and was probably a wholesale merchant based in Aachen . In 797 he was an interpreter for Charlemagne's embassy at Hārūn ar-Raschīd .

He negotiated with the caliph about better access to the holy places for the pilgrims. The mission was a success: As a result, at least one Latin pilgrim hospice was founded in Jerusalem with its own church and various affiliated institutions. In the 9th and 10th centuries, more and more pilgrims from Europe came to Palestine .

In the years 801 and 802, Isaac had the task of accompanying the Indian elephant Abul Abbas as a gift from Hārūn ar-Raschīd to the court of Charlemagne in Aachen.

Literature (selection)

  • Adolf Kober: ISAAK. In: Jewish Lexicon . Tape. 3, Jüdischer Verlag, Berlin 1928, column 39.
personal data
SURNAME Isaac from Aachen
BRIEF DESCRIPTION German-Jewish interpreter and negotiator for Harun al Raschid
DATE OF BIRTH 8th century
DATE OF DEATH 9th century